Radiator hose routing on 912iS (left side)

[ejoern]

Hello, I am installing a 912is and am trying to figure out the best routing for the radiator hose on the left side. It seems that the hose coming out of the engine can either go very close to the exhaust or route behind the ring mount. In both cases, it seems hard to get the proper routing to the radiator. Does anyone have any good pics on how the routing can be done? Thanks, Eric

[rosslr]

HI Eric,

I know what you are talking about - it gave me some angst too. I ended up coming between the ring mount and the exhaust, covering it all in good fire proof/heat shield and tying it back tot he ring mount with stainless steel cable tie. The gives a good inch clearance between the exhaust and the covered hose. It was stayed put for 170hrs now and shows no sign of heat affecting the heat shield. I did try running it between the ring mount and engine but too much opportunity for chaff there I thought. I don't have a pic with me at the moment - can take one when next down the hanger if nobody else chimes in. Just make sure to protect the rig mount from wear from the SS cable tie.

cheers

r

[jrevens]

That has bugged me too. I've had a couple of issues with radiators (somewhat because I'm just too darn fussy), and I'm having a custom aluminum radiator built with the inlet coming out the back of the radiator tank. I think It'll be a much cleaner installation with the hose routed through an area where there is not a lot going on instead of so close to the exhaust pipe, carburetor, etc. I'll try to post pictures if it works out. I'm also using all silicone hose for the radiator & heater circuit - I know that there are some guys out there who are just shaking their heads now, but when I build something, especially an airplane, I have to be really satisfied with it - just the way I am. I get a lot of satisfaction from the whole build process. That, and flying my Thorp helps me to keep my sanity!

[ejoern]

Thanks Ross and John! I think your idea Ross with the heat shield and SS tie wrap will be the way I go. Also, I have a couple other questions that have come up. One, the FWF kit instructions have you attach a #6 ground wire to the back of the engine block via a threaded hole, but it does not seem to supply the bolt/washer for that. Did your kit come with it? Second question is about the exhaust pipe. The instructions say that the Rotax (which I have) exhaust may protrude into the side of the cowl & implies that you could shorten it a bit if needed. Did you do that & if so did you have to relocate the spring attach weldment?

Thanks!

Eric

[rosslr]

G'day Eric,

No, I didn't find a bolt for the 6# wire and chose to ground it in a more convenient spot where I could easily inspect it for being tight. I think it was a M6 bolt needed from memory but don't take my word for that! I will take a pic later today when I go down the hanger.

As for the exhaust - no, I didn't shorten the exhaust. I think there is a thread on this site about just that but I concluded that it was best to keep it long and direct the hot exhaust away from the fabric and paint. However, I think a lot of guys have shortened it and/or raked it back as well.

How are you going with the wiring of the 912is Eric? Now that was a good challenge!

cheers

r

[jrevens]

Thanks Ross and John! I think your idea Ross with the heat shield and SS tie wrap will be the way I go. Also, I have a couple other questions that have come up. One, the FWF kit instructions have you attach a #6 ground wire to the back of the engine block via a threaded hole, but it does not seem to supply the bolt/washer for that. Did your kit come with it? ...

Eric,
I brought the #6 ground wire to one of the tabs on the back of the H.D. starter. That (body of the starter) is where the heavy current flows, and that is also directly connected to the engine of course. That is where they connect the engine ground on the S-19 Rans. I brought a much smaller wire/jumper (#14) from there up to the hole on the cylinder just for the heck of it, so the important ground for the ignition system has 2 connection paths at the engine. That threaded hole is indeed 6 mm. I got a bolt at my local Ace Hardware.

[ejoern]

Thanks again John and Ross! Very helpful. Ross, I have only completed (or nearly completed) the #6 wires on the engine side. I know there is plenty more in front of me for this engine. I have installed the engine fuse box, ECU (behind panel) and the solenoids & battery. I have not started the panel yet. If you want to send me any lessons learned for the 912Is, that would be fantastic!

Eric

[rosslr]

I made sure there was good fire proof/heat proof tube over the water house and used adel clap around the engine mount to provide a good base for tying the hose to. Although the hose ( r more specifically the fire hose) touched the EGT probe and it being close to the exhaust pipe, there was no issue in 500hrs operation.

cheers

ross

[JoeRuscito]

Thanks for the tip Ross and Eddie. Any chance you have some pictures? Im also wondering what is the best way to secure/protect from chafe tubes that cross and are close the the muffler exhaust? You will see where I mean on the left side of my engine.

Carl here are some more pictures of how I did the rest of mine. Maybe it will save you some head scratching. I routed the right side outside of the rear headed because I thought it was top tight behind as the manual seems to describe.

Also if anyone sees anything ill-advised let me know!

IMG_0263.jpgIMG_0262.jpgIMG_0261.jpgIMG_0260.jpgIMG_0259.jpg

[tracstarr]

does anyone have some good final pics of how they ran the coolant hose here? I'm stuck trying to find the best solution.